Water Corporation Bridge Upgrade Program

Testament to the award, the Client and BGC Contracting have established a good working relationship and BGC Contracting has demonstrated its experience and continuation to successfully deliver road and bridge construction projects in line with customer requirements.

The contracts awarded by Water Corporation saw the replacement of the existing Bridge 71 and Bridge 1198 in the south west of Western Australia, located in Harvey and Dunsborough. Along with the replacement of Bridges 602 and 650 in Capel. The project included demolition, removal and reconstruction of two bridges as part of Water Corporations Bridge Replacement Program. The design and construction of a temporary road and bridge were delivered as part of these works.

The scope of work for this project includes:

Site clearing

Bulk earthworks including testing

Driving and construction of abutment and pier piles including pile testing

Reinforced concrete construction, including precast concrete work

Hardstand and embankment protection works construction

Steelwork fabrication and installation

Road pavement and surfacing

Road marking and signage

Site restoration and removal of waste materials

Reinstatement of the existing access road where affected by the works

Site drainage, access roads, fencing and minor concrete works

Works included traffic management, the safe removal and disposal of existing timber bridges, steel driven piles and CFA piles with RC infill. Construction of new in-situ abutments, precast bridge beams and construction of new concrete bridge deck. Works were finished with the reinstatement of the roadway, surrounding landscaping, guard rail system and bituminous sealing.

PROJECT OUTCOMES

The project presented many challenges – particularly those associated with ground issues such as acid sulphate soils, low end bearing material for pile termination and weak underlying materials. In collaboration with Water Corp and our internal Geotechnical Engineers solutions were workshopped to overcome these issues. Solutions included; removal of unsuitable material and replacement with suitable material, redesign of pile termination levels, additional pile lengths added, and reprogramming works to overcome delays allowing for the program to be complete to agreed practical completion date. The Project Manager oversaw 5 sites supported by a Construction Superintendent and 5 Engineers. Providing daily feedback to the client’s representatives to ensure the programme was not at risk and that all projects were completed within programme and on budget, following challenges with ground conditions and weather. Testament to the award, the Client and BGC Contracting have established a good working relationship and BGC Contracting has demonstrated its experience and continuation to successfully deliver road and bridge construction projects in line with customer requirements.